The goal of Paddle for Peace is to expose children ages 8-17 to sports (kayaking) with the intention of bringing the possibility of uniting through competition and athletics to every community.
Paddle for Peace is designed to practice the fundamentals of team-work, sportsmanship, and excellence in a fun, diverse, and committed environment.
Debut trip held at San Diego Canoe/Kayak Team Clubhouse...
San Diego Canoe/Kayak Team hosted the first paddle excursion for the Southern Sudanese Community Center. Ten girls between 10 and 15 years old participated in the event. Life-jackets were donated by Lois and Gunter Hofman, who have been sailing around the world for the past eight years. A few years ago Lois and Gunter visited Sudan and upon returning to the USA decided wanted to get involved with the Sudanese Community.
Thank you SDCKT and Lois and Gunter!!
Paddling Success...
The girls were a little hesitant to get in the water right away because it was so chilly, but by the end they were splashing around without a problem. Among the 10 girls there were quite a few who took to paddling quite quickly. I was really impressed!
Most of the residence in Southern Sudan get all their food from fishing in Kayaks in the Nile. Its interesting to think about the connection there.
Future Olympians...
When everyone finished I got the girls together to thank Lois and Gunter and the San Diego Canoe/Kayak Team coaches. Dep Tauny the Executive Director of the Southern Sudanese Community Center spoke briefly. He said it was a great opportunity for the girls and among them will be great leaders and potential Olympians. SDCKT also invited all the girls back to Saturday morning training sessions.
The Olympics...
Leading up to the Olympics I've become more and more aware of the underlying goal of the Olympic Games, which is to connect people through sports. Yes, I'm pursuing athletic perfection and excellence in my sport...but the most inspiring part is to take part in something with a cause that I I completely recognize with.
